Hey there! Good morning Living Stones! Wow, we had an amazing worship session with the band, didn’t we? Their music was so powerful, it may even have brought tears to your eyes. Now, let’s dive into our study of Luke and focus on chapter 22. We’re coming close to the end of our exploration of this book, and it has been a journey filled with important life lessons. As we approach this passage, it’s essential to understand the background. Jesus is preparing his disciples for the changes they will face in their ministry. The atmosphere has shifted, and instead of being warmly received by people, they will now face hostility. He uses the symbol of the sword to represent the pressure and hostility that await them. The sentiment towards Jesus has changed, and he is now considered a wrongdoer. As followers of Jesus, we can expect to be hated and persecuted, but we are blessed and will be rewarded in heaven for our faithfulness. By the way, LivingStone Church has some exciting upcoming events and activities, like small groups, building fundraising, an Easter egg hunt, and a women’s gathering. You can also contribute to the building fund, either through offering boxes or online donations. So, let’s dive into our study and explore the truths buried within the pages of Luke 22. Remember, we’re called to live a Christlike life, even when it causes people to hate us. It’s essential for us to understand and embrace this truth. Let’s get started!
Was that introduction engaging and friendly enough? I hope it was! Let’s dive deeper into Luke 22 and discover the lessons Jesus is imparting to his disciples. In this passage, Jesus is revealing a transition that will soon occur in their ministry. They are currently at the last supper, and Jesus begins to focus his teaching on the twelve disciples, as one of them is going to betray him. He’s prepping Peter for the difficult time ahead, revealing that he will deny Jesus three times. Jesus highlights the changing environment in which they will minister, shifting from a peaceful cruise ship to a battleship. He tells them to prepare by taking a money belt, bag, and even a sword. He explains that he will be counted among the wrongdoers and that they should expect hostility. As followers of Jesus, we must grasp the fact that our faith will be met with disdain in the world. LivingStone Church also has an important announcement: there are various events and activities coming up, such as small groups, building fundraising, an Easter egg hunt, and a women’s gathering. Donations for the building fund are gladly accepted, and you can give your tithes and offerings through the offering boxes or online. Now, let’s dive into the text and uncover the spiritual nourishment awaiting us within Luke 22. Let’s pray and ask for wisdom before we delve into this impactful passage.
LivingStone Church Worship March 17, 2024
Welcome to LivingStone Church Worship! We hope you enjoyed the phenomenal worship from our amazing band. If you didn’t shed a tear during the last song, you may want to reflect on your salvation. It was truly an incredible moment. Now, let’s dive into our study of Luke 22 as we near the end of our journey through this book.
Jesus preparing disciples for changing ministry environment
In Luke 22, Jesus begins to focus his teaching on the twelve disciples as he prepares them for the upcoming changes in their ministry environment. He knows that they will soon face hostility and persecution, so he wants to equip them mentally and emotionally. This is a crucial time for the disciples as they will soon have to navigate a world that will no longer receive them with open arms.
Symbol of the sword representing pressure and hostility
To symbolize the pressure and hostility they will encounter, Jesus mentions the sword. In verses 35-38, he tells his disciples to prepare themselves by carrying a money belt and a bag, and even selling their cloak to buy a sword. This is not a call to literal violence, but rather a metaphorical preparation for the trials they will face. Jesus wants them to understand that they need to be ready for the challenges ahead and to rely on their faith to overcome them.
Changing sentiment towards Jesus Christ
Jesus acknowledges that the sentiment towards him has changed. He is now considered a wrongdoer and his followers will also bear the brunt of this negative perception. As believers of Jesus Christ, we should not be surprised when people turn against us because of our faith. In a world that values tolerance, it is ironic that Christians often face intolerance for their beliefs. Jesus wants his disciples to be prepared for this shift and to stand firm in their convictions despite the opposition.
Expectation of being hated and facing persecution as followers of Jesus
Jesus wants his disciples, and by extension, us, to understand that as followers of him, we should expect to be hated and face persecution. Living a Christlike life means living in a way that goes against the grain of the world. Our beliefs and values will often clash with societal norms, and this can lead to hostility and persecution. However, we should take heart in knowing that we are not alone in this struggle. Jesus himself experienced hatred and persecution, and he promises to be with us every step of the way.
Blessings and rewards for faithfulness
While the road of persecution may be difficult, Jesus assures us that there are blessings and rewards awaiting us in heaven for our faithfulness. The sufferings of this present time cannot compare to the glory that awaits us. As we face trials and tribulations, we should hold on to the hope that our steadfastness will be rewarded in the end. Our commitment to following Jesus should not waver in the face of opposition but grow stronger, knowing that our faithfulness will be richly rewarded.
Upcoming events and activities at LivingStone Church
LivingStone Church has several exciting events and activities coming up. We invite you to join us as we grow in community and deepen our relationship with God. Here are some of the upcoming events:
Small groups
Small groups are a vital part of our church community. These groups provide opportunities for fellowship, Bible study, and prayer. They allow us to connect with fellow believers on a deeper level and grow together in our faith. If you’re not already part of a small group, we encourage you to join one and experience the joy of doing life together with other members of our church family.
Building fundraising
We are currently in the process of fundraising for a new building. As our church continues to grow, we need a bigger space to accommodate our congregation and ministries. We invite you to join us in this endeavor by donating to our building fund. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference in helping us reach our goal. Together, we can create a space where more people can encounter the love and grace of Jesus Christ.
Easter egg hunt
With Easter just around the corner, we are excited to host an Easter egg hunt for the children in our community. This event will be a fun-filled day of hunting for eggs, enjoying snacks, and celebrating the resurrection of Jesus. We encourage you to invite your friends, neighbors, and family members to join us for this joyous occasion. Let’s come together and share the hope of Easter with those around us.
Women’s gathering
Ladies, mark your calendars for our upcoming women’s gathering. This event is designed to be a time of encouragement and connection for women of all ages and stages of life. We will have guest speakers, worship, and opportunities to build new friendships. It’s a wonderful opportunity to grow in our faith and be inspired by the incredible women within our church community.
Acceptance of donations for the building fund
As mentioned earlier, we are accepting donations for our building fund. If you feel led to support our vision of expanding our church space, we would be incredibly grateful for your contribution. You can drop off your donation at the designated offering boxes located within the church building. Alternatively, you can also donate online through our secure online payment platform. Your generosity will help us create a space where more lives can be transformed by God’s love.
Options for giving tithes and offerings
At LivingStone Church, we believe in the biblical principle of tithing and offering. We encourage all members of our congregation to regularly give a portion of their income as a way of honoring God and supporting the work of the church. There are various options available for giving, including the offering boxes located within the church building and our secure online payment platform. We want to make it as convenient as possible for you to give and be a cheerful giver.
As we navigate the changing times and face opposition as followers of Jesus, it is crucial that we remain steadfast in our faith. Let’s continue to support one another, grow in community, and fix our eyes on the blessings and rewards that await us. Remember, LivingStone Church is here to support and uplift you in your journey of faith. We hope to see you at our upcoming events and activities as we continue to worship, learn, and serve together.